Hello world, pig here!
I’ve been blogging for several years now and it seems time for a new approach. Last December I began the separation process. It has been the formalization of ending a 44 year relationship and the beginning of planning the rest of my life. It’s like learning to fly, again.
December 1, 2014 I moved out of our house in Redmond and took a six month lease on a condo in Bend. When that was up I hit the road and am still at it. I’m basically floating around, sponging off friends and family until we can formalize a financial separation. Then I can pick a place to land a little more permanently. At the rate we are going, it shouldn’t take more than a couple more years.
Anyway, I’ve landed here in Blue Eye, MO for the winter. Come spring I’ll start the migration back up to Alaska. For those that have not been following the blogs, here is the journey so far:
Departed Bend in late June; drove to Portland then on to Homer Alaska after picking up Bill (the father of my surrogate grandchildren). Roger flew in and we spent a few weeks camped in Tony’s back yard while we fished Reds.
Left Soldotna and drove to Denver where I lived in Amy’s guest room until a few weeks ago. Roger joined me there and we drove to Montana for two more weeks of fishing. Also during my stay there I managed to fly to DC for a VHPA reunion and Bend/Portland to consolidate my stored stuff and get a grandchild fix.
Right before Halloween I drove to Blue Eye to house sit at Roger & Claire’s while they snowbird to Venice FL.
I plan to hold up here until spring and catch up on some writing. I won’t be posting all of it up front and revisions will be whenever. Here is a link to one of the stories I’m working on, https://piglearnstoflyagain.com/library/our-story/ so far it is a rough outline of our time together.
So far I've reached acceptable proficiency at the following, in chronological order: Silversmith, infantryman/door gunner, helicopter pilot, fireman, carpenter, residential contractor, FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist and crotchety old retired guy. Currently, I'm learning to fly again and that is what this is all about. 7/7/2020 edit: As I have had the opportunity to reflect (old people do that a lot) on my actual proficiency level at the above occupations, I feel adjustments are in order. The term "acceptable" depends on the observer, their own proficiency and experience level. Acceptable to me might be woefully deficient to the master. I think it would be more accurate to claim that I have earned a living wage at all of these occupations but never got rich. Actually, I feel that I have gotten rich at the last one. I have what I need and am profoundly grateful for all of it. The future looks bright indeed, as I have learned to fly again. For that I have all of you to thank. Thank You!